Pro-football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk reveals Parkinson's diagnosis

Pro-football Hall of Famer and Southern University coach Marshall Faulk has opened up about his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, a condition he has been managing for approximately a year-and-a-half.

Big picture view:

Faulk, 53, a former NFL running back with the Indianapolis Colts, told Dr. Sandeep Thakkar Wednesday on an episode of "The Caring Neurologist" podcast that he first noticed signs of stiffness in his hand while he was golfing. Faulk said he mentioned the concern to his doctor, who told him to get further testing.

"I just think I caught it early," he said. "I’m in a good place." 

He said he has been able to manage his symptoms and maintain his normal activities with medication, though he said he does have occasional tremors and pays close attention to his balance and gait. 

He encouraged others to talk to their doctors about possible symptoms when you first notice them rather than waiting for conditions to worsen. 

He said he hopes that his speaking publicly will encourage and help others.

The backstory:

Faulk was named the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year for three consecutive years and also earned the NFL Most Valuable PLayer honors after setting a single-season record for touchdowns. 

He was the first player in NFL history to gain 2,000 yards from scrimmage in four consecutive seasons. 

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.  

Dig deeper:

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disorder that affects the brain, nervous system and muscle control. The rate of Parkinson’s is growing faster than any other neurological condition inthe world and with incidence projected to double in the coming decades. 

There is no cure for Parkinson’s, and while pills and other symptomatic therapies are helpful, eventually the disease worsens over time.

 

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